Scoring tough in friendlies

Kabir Ali was the pick of the Worcestershire bowlers

The start of Kent’s friendly against Surrey at Beckenham was delayed by rain, but a shortened game eventually got under way.

The visitors were bowled out for 195, with the home side reaching 12 for one after three overs.

Elsewhere, Essex hosted Worcestershire at Chelmsford in what is currently a slow-scoring affair.

The hosts made 179 in 75 overs, with Grant Flower the innings top-scorer with 36. Kabir Ali was the pick of the bowlers with 3-22 off his 17 overs.

In reply, Worcestershire had reached 30 for one when stumps were drawn. The match continues on Thursday.

Leicestershire played Nottinghamshire at Grace Road and had trouble on a good wicket as the visiting side closed their innings on 254 for seven, with Ryan Cummins taking 4-41.

The Foxes closed on 180 for four thanks in part to HD Ackerman's 58.

Hampshire began their reply to Northamptonshire’s 369 on the last day of two at the Rose Bowl, but were bowled out for 224 with 10 overs remaining.

Bud Bailey, a six foot seven inch 18-year-old seamer, was the pick of the Northants' bowlers, taking 4-54 and was backed up well by Jason Brown who took 3-46 from 25 overs.

Chris Benham was the only Hampshire batsman to provide any resistance, making 36 in his team's 146-run defeat.

Andrew Flintoff’s rehabilitation from ankle surgery was disrupted as Lancashire’s 50-over friendly against Roses rivals Yorkshire at Old Trafford was washed out.

The sides had agreed to play a one-day game on Wednesday after rain prevented play on Tuesday which was scheduled to be the first of a two-day encounter. They also met at the same venue on Monday as the hosts won by five wickets.

Tuesday’s weather had allowed Lancashire captain Stuart Law to lead his side after recently returning to Manchester but he was only able to toss up before play was abandoned.